On Tuesday, May 3rd, I was invited to the Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm (CCE). CCE is a non-profit community education agency established in 1917. The staff consists of educators, researchers, specialists and volunteers dedicated to their mission of preserving our county’s vast heritage. CCE strives to protect our eco-systems, while supporting families and providing our youth with opportunities for community service and research based education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The farm is home to 272 acres of land which offers educational programs in Agriculture, Marine, Community Education and 4H Youth Development.
The Agriculture Program was CCE’s original mandate and continues today. Through targeted research, the CCE Agriculture Program staff helps to address the many challenges our farmers face. The partnership between the farmers and CCE will safeguard the economic and environmental sustainability of the agricultural industries on Long Island for many years to come.
The Marine Program, which was established in 1985, is known and respected both nationally and internationally. Its mission is to protect our waters, providing a clean environment for our fish, fowl and plants. The program conducts water quality sampling and analysis, storm water management, fisheries research and educational outreach. CCE Suffolk is one of the only groups that works directly with local commercial fishermen to ensure that our unique historical way of life is preserved.
The Community Education Program offers in-person and digital programing to educate and support community residents, by providing information and hands-on training. Their staff provides resources to meet the concerns of Long Islanders in family wellness, nutrition and diabetes.
The 4-H Youth Development Program offers our children ages 5-19 a foundation of community service plus education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The research-based program is offered at many of CCE’s sites and concentrates on agriculture, marine issues and the environment throughout our county. This program is also offered in schools, afterschool programs and through 4-H Clubs.
My tour included observing many of the programs Cornell Cooperative Extension has to offer. We concluded with meeting the baby animals on the farm. I was introduced to Polly Pocket, (baby sheep pictured) and several other new born animals. Suffolk County residents will have the opportunity to meet these baby animals in person. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 14th from 10am-3pm for the “Baby Animal Day!” If you are interested in more information about programs or upcoming events that Cornell Cooperative Extension has to offer, please visit http://ccesuffolk.org/